NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS · Fall 2026 · Torch: U.S.
As each issue of the Torch: U.S. is created, each page goes through rounds of planning and enhancement before it is ready for publication. Publications Chair Mr. Trace Turner has played a crucial role guiding me and fellow editors through the planning of each issue, virtually meeting with me before each issue and catching every un-italicized Torch: U.S. during copy edits. Leading Team Editor for five years, Mr. Turner has also left countless memories documenting each convention with photography and posts on the NJCL Instagram—not to mention the guidance in the nightly publication of the Convention Ear. Their contribution to JCL goes beyond the work assigned to them. Their dedication to JCL always inspires me.
As last year was my first time being an officer in such a large organization, Mr. Turner has given me confidence from the beginning, as well as invaluable feedback and support for all of my ideas. Mr. Turner serves as more than a mentor in JCL to me. They have given me valuable life advice, and I know I can always find them for a witty comment. Mr. Turner has truly been an essential part of my journey and JCLers’ journey. Thank you, Mr. Turner, for everything you have taught me and all that you contributed to the JCL community.
Miss Jordt, you have been an amazing mentor to me this past year. Thank you for always encouraging my ideas and patiently replying to my late-night emails. You were an incredible vice president and graphic arts chair of the Junior Classical League, and your creativity, kindness, and dedication have made such an impact on this organization. The JCL will truly miss you as both a mentor and a leader.
By Olivia Chen
2025-26 NJCL Editor
By Aanshi Patel
2025-26 NJCL Historian
Mr. Trace Turner
Ms. Jen Jordt
15
NATIONAL COMMITTEE EMERITUS/EMERITA
These individuals served at least two terms on the National Committee.
NATIONAL COMMITTEE HONORARY
These individuals served at least one term on the National Committee.
Martha Altieri, CA
June LeRay Bates, NY
Liz Bouis, GA
Melissa Burgess, OH
Penny Cipolone, NJ
Christine Conklin, VA
Terrance DePasquale, PA
Sherry Doerfler, VA
Geri Dutra, OH
Amy Elifrits, OH
Kathy Elifrits, KY
Stephen Gentle, OH
Laura M. Giles, TX
Judith Hahn, FL
David Jackson, CA
Seth Knowles, ME
William Lee, TX
Sherwin Little, OH
Edward Long, TN
Laura Long, TN
Susan Marquis, MO
Tony Martin, IN
Kyle McGimsey, FL/LA
James F. Minter, NY
Prudence Moreland, LA
Francis O’Brien, PA
Jim O’Neil, MA
Tom Reed, VA
Sue T. Robertson, VA
Generosa Sangco-Jackson, IN
Catherine Sturgill, GA
Elaine K. Tears, NY
Dobbie Vasquez, CA
David Volk, ND
Jeremy Walker, IN
Dennis Webb, TN/LA
In memoriam
Dennis Bartlow, IN
Richard J. Beaton, GA
Jessie Chambers, MI
Anne B. Covington, VA
Edna Cunningham, OH
Belle Gould, TX
Lillie B. Hamilton, GA
Hazel Hayley, OK
David Levy, MI
Lourania Miller, IN
Estella Kyne, WA
Donald LaFountain, NJ
Rhea Miller, NM
Joan Myers, OH
Sr. Jeannette Plante, NH
Marcella Stitt, KS
Gaylan Dubose, TX
Susan H. Bowman, VA
Kevin Fu, MI
Donna J. Gerard, TX
Kendra Henry, CO
Caitlin Johnston, MN
Nora MacDonald, WA
Bob McDonald, DC
Kurt Ristroph, LA
Susan S. Schearer, VA
Randy Thompson, TX
In memoriam
Augusta Gibbons, PA
Joseph Gilpin, FL
Virginia Jones, FL
Jane Nethercut, TX